Hosting Végétable & Primever: Exploring Fresh Irish Produce

At HANNON Transport, we were recently pleased to host French journalist Emmanuelle Pelle as part of an insightful fact-finding trip to Ireland. Emmanuelle had the opportunity to explore Ireland’s evolving fresh produce market, see the transformation in logistics, and understand the growing demand for premium and organic products.

As a company at the forefront of temperature-controlled transport, we pride ourselves on our role in ensuring the smooth, efficient movement of fresh produce, particularly between France and Ireland.

A Journey Through Dublin’s Changing Fresh Produce Landscape

The tour began at the Dublin Fruit, Vegetable & Flower Market, once the heart of Ireland’s fresh produce trade. While the market has closed in recent years, the site is undergoing a major €25 million redevelopment, with plans to reopen as a multi-purpose retail and food hub in 2026. This reflects a broader shift in Ireland’s fresh produce distribution model, moving away from traditional wholesale markets to purpose-built, more efficient facilities. This transformation is in line with the growing demand for logistical efficiency and streamlined sourcing, an area where HANNON Transport plays a pivotal role.

Supermarkets & Imports: A New Era in Fresh Produce Distribution

Ireland’s retail landscape has also undergone significant changes, with just five key supermarket chains now controlling 92.5% of the fresh produce retail market. The shift from traditional wholesale markets to large-scale importers and wholesalers is evident in how fresh produce is sourced and distributed across the country. In 2022, Ireland’s fresh fruit and vegetable retail market was valued at €1.65 billion, with a major portion of this being imported.

The logistics of importing fresh produce have never been more important, especially given Ireland’s reliance on imports, particularly from France. As a leading logistics provider, we ensure that fresh produce arrives on time and in top condition, using our extensive network and expertise in temperature-controlled transport. Our role is crucial in maintaining the quality of products, ensuring that they meet the high expectations of Irish consumers, who are increasingly looking for premium, organic options.

The Growing Demand for Organic and Health-Focused Products

A key takeaway from our visit was the increasing demand for organic and health-focused products in Ireland. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious, with many incorporating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables into their daily diets. This trend has led to a surge in the popularity of organic produce, particularly berries. With Ireland’s growing health-conscious population, the demand for fresh, organic, and sustainably sourced produce is on the rise.

Rodney Kingston, Commercial Director at Meade Farm, shared his perspective on the shift in consumer habits:

“Fruit and vegetable markets are experiencing sustained growth, especially with the rise of healthspan and Food as Medicine concepts. Consumers now recognise the strong links between a diet rich in fruit and veg and good health. In Ireland, we see increasing demand for organic produce, particularly berries. Acai bowls, for example, are hugely popular at the moment.”

France’s Strong Position in Ireland’s Fresh Produce Market

During our time together, we also discussed France’s position as a key supplier of fresh produce to Ireland. Despite the challenges posed by Brexit, France has maintained a strong relationship with Ireland. In fact, more and more Irish buyers are sourcing directly from French suppliers rather than going through UK-based importers. French produce, particularly apples and root vegetables, enjoys a strong reputation for quality and authenticity, making it a preferred choice in Ireland.

We are proud to have established a close working relationship with Primever, to ensure the efficient and reliable transport of fresh produce between the two countries. The importance of maintaining the integrity of fresh produce throughout the journey cannot be overstated, and our state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled transport solutions are vital in preserving product quality.

The Importance of Efficient Logistics in the Fresh Produce Sector

As the tour concluded, it became evident that logistics will continue to play a crucial role in Ireland’s fresh produce sector. The ongoing demand for fresh, high-quality produce, coupled with the need for rapid and reliable transport, makes logistics a key factor in the success of the industry.

At HANNON Transport, we are committed to providing the best in temperature-controlled transport, ensuring that our clients’ fresh produce reaches its destination on time and in the best possible condition.

A Journalist’s Perspective: Insights into Ireland’s Fresh Produce Market

From Emmanuelle’s perspective, this visit was an eye-opening experience. She was impressed by the level of professionalism and efficiency in Ireland’s fresh produce sector and noted how the industry has adapted to meet the rising demand for high-quality, health-focused products. The growing interest in organic produce and the evolving role of supermarkets were key points of focus during our discussions.

In particular, she observed that French fresh produce, particularly apples, enjoys a strong reputation in Ireland, thanks to its quality and authenticity. She was also struck by the increasing importance of logistics, with companies like HANNON Transport playing a vital role in ensuring the smooth transport of fresh produce between France and Ireland, especially as Brexit reshapes the supply chain.

In her conclusion, she highlighted the opportunity for French producers to tap into Ireland’s growing market for premium and organic products. She also emphasised the role of efficient logistics in keeping the supply chain robust and responsive to market demands. With HANNON Transport’s expertise in temperature-controlled transport, it’s clear that the future of fresh produce distribution between France and Ireland is in capable hands.